o U.S. Rep. Jackie Speier, D-San Mateo reintroduced the San Francisco Bay Restoration Act yesterday to help revive the Bay's historic wetlands and protect the region's vibrant coastal community from further erosion. The bill authorizes the Environmental Protection Agency to award competitive grant funding to conservation and restoration projects, consistent with the federal Clean Water Act's Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan for San Francisco Bay. The San Francisco Bay Restoration Act is supported by the entire Bay Area congressional delegation, according to Speier's office.

County

government

o The Board of Supervisors Tuesday approved a 75-month lease with Starburst 1, Inc., a subsidiary of SoftBank Corp., for 1 Circle Star Way. The agreement, which still requires a signed lease, is for one of two county-owned office buildings and calls for renting out the entire 103,948-square-foot tower. The county anticipates it will begin generating approximately $3 million in annual revenue in roughly 18 months.

City

government

o The San Carlos City Council unanimously agreed at its Monday meeting to direct staff to begin negotiating with Redwood City for a fully consolidated shared fire service model. The two cities already have a hybrid department but the staff recommendation is for Redwood City to absorb the bulk of San Carlos' department. San Carlos would retain ownership and maintenance of its fire stations and stock like the fire engines, said City Manager Jeff Maltbie.

Councilman Bob Grassilli called the recommendation an "excellent idea."